Claire joined Paterson & Dowding as an Associate in 2023 and practices in all areas of family law, having a particular interest in parenting and financial matters.

After graduating with a LLB (Hons) from Edinburgh Napier University Scotland in 2006 and a Diploma in Legal Practice from Glasgow Graduate School of Law in 2007, Claire worked in private practice in Scotland for 10 years. In 2018, Claire relocated to Mandurah WA where she worked for a prominent law firm leading their family law department.

Claire has a special interest in Collaborative Practice. She is a member of Collaborative Professionals WA and is passionate about helping families resolve their disputes without going to Court. If a client’s matter is unsuitable for Collaborative Practice, Claire has extensive advocacy experience from her time practising as a solicitor in Scotland and more recently representing client’s in the Family Court of WA.

Claire enjoys the diversity of working in family law as it gives her the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the outcome of a client’s matter. Since moving to Australia, Claire has been given the chance to work with people from a range of cultures and backgrounds.

In her spare time Claire enjoys spending time in the local community, supporting her children’s football (soccer) team and walking her dog at the beach.